Gloucester’s Annual Santa Fun Run Sets New Participation Record

Over 650 individuals dressed as Santas traversed the streets of a city, marking a record-breaking year for the yearly fun run. Gloucester was adorned in red and white on Saturday as participants, many sporting beards, completed either a 1km or 5km course to benefit local groups and charities. More than £5,000 was successfully raised, representing the highest amount since the event was first organized by the Rotary Club of Gloucester in 2017. Matt Cass, who assisted in the event’s organization, commented: “It’s absolutely fantastic.” “The community of Gloucester really comes together for this… it’s great to just see it grow and grow and grow,” Mr Cass added. He also noted, “I’m running out of space in Kings Square.” For Karen Reid, Janna Hinchliff, and Annderley Hill, all residents of Gloucester who had recently completed the Couch to 5k running program, the run served as a fitting conclusion to 2025. Ms Reid remarked: “It’s great to see so many Santas, a snowman, and elves all dressed up in the square today.” She stated that the friends felt it was “only right” to participate in the run. In addition to individual runners, various running groups from across Gloucestershire attended to display their finest festive fancy dress. Carole Stacey, a member of the Cheltenham Running Club, which had nine participants, described the experience as “just exhilarating.” She further commented, “The weather was really kind to us and it was just jam-packed with people smiling and laughing and having fun.” The event was initiated to generate funds for the Rotary Club of Gloucester Community Awards, which provides financial support to smaller local groups and charities. This year’s beneficiaries included local football clubs, urban gardening initiatives, and a bridge club. Mr Cass explained: “The whole reason for the awards was that you don’t need to be a charity, it can just be a project.” He encouraged applications from anyone with a project that might qualify. The Gloucester Santa Fun Run is scheduled to return to the city in December 2025.